Congress member Eric Massa says he'll resign his position on Monday.
On Monday, Eric Massa will resign his position as a member of the House of Representatives.
Massa posted a lengthy statement on his website this afternoon. In part of it, he gives essentially the same reason he gave for abandoning his reelection bid: his health. But he also talks at length about his language - which apparently precipitated a staff member's complaint to the House Ethics Committee.
"There is no doubt in my mind that I did in fact, use language in the privacy of my own home and in my inner office that, after 24 years in the Navy, might make a Chief Petty Officer feel uncomfortable," he said in his statement. "In fact, there is no doubt that this Ethics issue is my fault and mine alone."
He also said that he always knew his language "failed to meet the standards that I set for all around me and myself."
The announcement follows media reports that Democratic Party officials were pressuring Massa to step down.
His resignation could trigger a special election, if Governor David Paterson, who is facing problems of his own, calls for one. The county chairs in the 29th Congressional District would nominate a candidate, then wait for the governor to make his call. If the governor doesn't call an election, the seat will stay vacant until the general election in November, says the Washington Post.
Comments for "Massa is resigning" (1)
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Tom Janowski said on Mar. 06, 2010 at 1:41pm
I've been a die-hard Massa supporter from the very beginning--through two campaigns, one loss and one victory. Throughout his first year in office he distinguished himself by his honesty, common sense and demanding good health care legislation.
Until Wednesday, Eric Massa was the only elected official I had respect for. Then everything changed. If it was simply health reasons that prevented Massa from seeking re-election, I would have been very disappointed. But now there are other issues that undermine my respect for Massa.
The press information that came out Wednesday about not seeking re-election pointed back to a December cancer scare. "Cancer scare" is extremely vague. Friday's statement of intent to resign on Monday mentioned a Wednesday doctor's visit and a CT scan. It's confusing!
Does Mr. Massa currently have cancer? Did he have cancer in December?
I find it very hard to believe in a town of rumours, there was no hint available to Massa that an ethics violation investigation was pending. As soon as he finds out, he takes full responsibility and resigns. Yet the allegations, according to Massa, are only about his use of language. Is this really enough to prompt an immediate resignation?
For activists, like myself, these questions, and the questions to come, will be like open wounds. Will local activists continue to support and work for candidates? Can activists be disappointed time after time without eventually giving up?
I struggles with these question constantly and come to realize that no matter what, there will be disappointment.
Sometimes the very best aren't even very good.
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